Save Festive, pillowy donuts decorated to resemble Santas iconic red suit—perfect for holiday breakfasts or parties.
This recipe brings a special touch to our holiday gatherings every year and my family looks forward to them with excitement.
Ingredients
- For the Donuts: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For Frying: Vegetable oil, for frying
- For Decoration: 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 3 tbsp milk, Red gel food coloring, 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or melted dark chocolate, 8 yellow chocolate candies (such as M&Ms) or yellow fondant for belt buckles
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
- Heat Oil:
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape Donuts:
- Using lightly floured hands, shape dough into 8 balls. Flatten slightly and use a floured bottle cap or small cutter to create holes in the center.
- Fry:
- Fry donuts in batches, 1 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze:
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 2 3 tbsp milk until smooth. Tint with red food coloring until vibrant.
- Glaze Donuts:
- Dip cooled donuts into red glaze and set on a rack. Let set 10 minutes.
- Decorate:
- For Santas belt, pipe or draw a horizontal line of melted chocolate or arrange mini chocolate chips across each donut. Add a yellow candy or fondant square in the center as the belt buckle.
- Set Decorations:
- Allow decorations to set before serving.
Save My kids love helping to decorate these donuts, making our holiday mornings even more joyful.
Notes
For a shortcut, use store-bought plain donuts and focus on decorating. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra holiday flavor. Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, Whisk, Deep frying pan or Dutch oven, Slotted spoon, Cooling rack, Piping bag or zip-top bag for decorating
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and possible soy (in chocolate products). Check all decorations for nut traces if allergies are a concern.
Save These Santa Belly Donuts bring festive cheer and are sure to become a holiday tradition in your home.
Common Questions
- → What type of flour is best for these donuts?
All-purpose flour provides the ideal texture, ensuring a tender yet sufficiently structured donut.
- → How do you achieve the bright red glaze color?
Mix powdered sugar with milk and add red gel food coloring gradually until reaching a vibrant, even hue.
- → What frying temperature should I maintain?
Keep the oil heated to 350°F (175°C) for golden, evenly cooked donuts without excessive oil absorption.
- → Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared and decorated in advance, but are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and appearance.
- → What alternatives can be used for the yellow candy belt buckles?
Yellow fondant squares or similar small candies work well to create the belt buckle detail on each donut.
- → Is there a way to add extra holiday flavor to the batter?
Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter introduces subtle warm spices, enhancing the festive feel.